(SACRAMENTO)– In a unanimous bi-partisan vote on Tuesday afternoon, the Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee passed AB 998 by Assemblymember Grayson (D-Concord). The bill will now head to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

AB 998 increases transparency and efficiency for veterans in the Veterans Home application process by requiring the creation of an admissions website that allows a veteran to apply online, see his or her current application or wait list status, and access help information for every step of the process.

Upon passage Assemblymember Grayson stated, “The eight state Veterans Homes in California provide invaluable residential and long-term care to veterans who have honorably served the nation. The high demand for a spot in one of the homes is reflected in the wait lists that sometimes number in the hundreds. Currently, veterans can only file physical applications, and application status is only available by phone and mail. To make this process a bit easier, this bill would make application information available online, more accessible and reduce uncertainty for veterans and their families in a time that is often confusing and lengthy.”

Assemblymember Grayson continued, “To a veteran who is already facing housing, health, or financial insecurity, accountability is of the utmost importance. AB 998 would provide this additional accessibility and transparency for veterans and their families who are applying to a spot in one of the California Veterans Homes. I want to thank the members of the Veterans Affairs Committee for their support.”

AB 998 will now head to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for a vote.